Rabbits are usually neutered around four months of age. Castration involves removing the testes of a male rabbit, and spaying is the removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female. It is worth noting that sperm can reside in the genital tract for up to six weeks, so it’s best to keep your rabbit away from un-neutered females during this time. Rabbits are extremely social creatures; neutering helps pair or bond rabbits, making them much happier.
What is meant by spaying?
Spaying is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. In this procedure, the ovaries and uterus are removed completely in order to sterilize a female rabbit.
What is neutering?
Neutering (also known as castration) is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure during which both testicles are removed in order to sterilize (make infertile) a male rabbit, therefore stopping his ability to reproduce.
Neutering your rabbit:
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies and womb infections
- Can help prevent tumours and breast cancer
- Can also help prevent testicular cancer and prostate disease
- Assists in preventing roaming and aggressive behaviour
Whats included in our Spays & Neuters for rabbits?
| 1 | Veterinary pre-operative examination to assess your pets condition prior to surgery |  |
| 2 | Rabbits are allowed to eat and stay with their bonded partner until shortly before surgery | |
| 3 | Tailored anaesthetic drug protocol specific to each patient - including strong pain relief, anti-inflammatories and medication for gut motility | |
| 4 | IV cannula placement as standard in order to administer medication but also to provide a life-line in the event of an emergency. This means your rabbits ear will be clipped as well. | |
| 5 | Pre-oxygenation prior to anaesthesia to improve your pet's response to anaesthesia medication | |
| 6 | Operation done under the highest surgical standards: surgical PPE worn and patients clipped and prepared to reduce risk infections and surgical complications but also reduce the need for furhter medication | |
| 7 | Intensive anaesthetic monitoring from a trained registered nurse, or a student nurse being overseen by a registered nurse, during surgery. All of our nurses have completed additional Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists (AVA) accreditated training. | |
| 8 | Use of multiparameter monitors measuring heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen level, respiratory carbon dioxide levels, blood pressure, body temperature. | |
| 9 | Lubrication of eyes during surgery to prevent eyes becoming dry and developing corneal ulcers. You have the option to purchase eye drops for ongoing post-operative care | |
| 10 | Local pain block included at the site of surgery to reduce pain: this is an injection of short-acting pain medication at the area of incision or organ removal to reduce intra-operative pain and reduce surgery risk. | |
| 11 | Free post-operative K-Laser™ therapy to reduce inflammation, reduce pain & promotre wound healing | |
| 12 | Recovery in an oxygen-rich warm incubator to provide better recovery and keep your rabbit warm | |
| 13 | Nurse monitoring throughout the recovery process | |
| 14 | Same day discharge with a nurse who will discuss the surgery with you and explain the post-operative care process | |
| 15 | 1 week of post operative pain relief included | |
| 16 | Medication for gut motility to prevent gut stasis included | |
| 17 | 2 free post operative checks where discounted laser therapy also available | |
| 18 | Free nail clip under anaesthesia if appropriate | |
Should I let my rabbit have one litter before spaying her?
This happens to be a common question, and there are no known health benefits to letting your rabbit have a litter; this is also the same for dogs and cats.
General anaesthesia
Your pet requires a general anaesthetic for neutering; here at Animal Ark, we have measures in place to ensure their safety during the procedure. A dedicated Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) will monitor your pet throughout their surgery and recovery. Although rabbits are deemed to be a ‘high risk’ under anaesthesia, the health benefits alone far outweigh the risks; over the years, rabbit anaesthesia has become much safer.
Risk levels of anaesthesia increase with a pet’s age, certain breeds and if your pet has any underlying health conditions. Your pet will receive a premedication to relax them and will also receive two types of pain relief. Rest assured the Animal Ark team will be with your pet every step of the way.
Your pet will stay the day with us
On admission, we will discuss the procedure and go through the consent form. Please note we must gain a signature from the registered owner (over 18) or authorised agent on the consent form. Your dog, cat or rabbit will be admitted as a ‘day patient’, and they will be discharged later that day once our team are happy with how your pet has recovered. During your pet’s discharge appointment, the team will go through everything you need to know about caring for your pet after their surgery and their pain relief medication. We are always at the end of the telephone for you and your pet, so please contact us if you have any further questions once you have your pet settled back at home via 020 8599 8544
Please bring your rabbit in a secure box or basket with a blanket that smells of home; we advise rabbits are brought along with their companions to reduce the stress of separation between a bonded pair. Bringing your rabbits lunch is also preferable. We require rabbits to eat relatively quickly after a general anaesthetic; having their favourite foods on hand speeds up their recovery time so we can have your rabbit back home with you as soon as possible.
Essential additional care:
Intra and post operative fluids: For rabbits this is life saving as it prevents guts from stasis and allows for a much better recovery period. They also maintain your pet's blood pressure and decrease the risks of organ damage from decreased blood pressure, prevent dehydration and to aid in recovery.
Patients will require either a buster collar or medical suit at an additional charge to prevent your pet from licking or opening their surgical incision and reduce the risk of post-operative complications.
Please also be aware that we are dedicated to providing the best care for your pet during their stay with us: Our nursing teams are overseen by our nurse supervisors who are certificate holders in Emergency & Critical Care. Difficult anaesthesias are overseen by our Clinical Director who has completed specialised training in Anaesthesia at a referral hospital in the US. We also have nurses who have a vast experience working with exotic pets.
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